Embracing Dyslexia

This heartbreaking documentary presents the stories of numerous adults who say they were mistreated, belittled, overlooked, and ultimately shoved aside in the education system (and often at home) because of their dyslexia. Clarifying that dyslexia is not about seeing words backwards on a page (the popular myth), filmmaker Luis Macias' Embracing Dyslexia introduces viewers to many intelligent adults who survived humiliation and a truncated education because of a neurological disorder, one that is often misinterpreted by educators and some parents as a sign of laziness and weakness, resulting in punishment and even exile to a trade school, sometimes despite high intellectual capabilities. The testimony by dyslexic adults here is consistently sad, as they recount stories of childhood punishment and being dismissed as merely stupid, after which they learned to keep their heads down and tried to remain invisible at home and school. Fortunately, the documentary also offers promising news about fresh research and progressive programs at some schools, along with a host of emerging experts who can teach coping skills. Highly recommended. Aud: J, H, C, P. (T. Keogh)